Page last updated at 11:13 GMT, Sunday, 21 December 2008

Babies tested positive for MRSA

MRSA under microscope
The superbug was said to have "colonised" the babies

Six babies being treated at a special care baby unit in Glasgow have tested positive for MRSA, it has emerged.

NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde confirmed it was found during routine testing at the Southern General Hospital.

The MRSA bug was said to have "colonised" the infants, meaning it was on their skin but did not harm them. The babies have since been discharged.

A spokeswoman said the unit was not closed at any time and extra infection control measures were in place.

MRSA stands for Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus, but is shorthand for any strain of Staphylococcus bacteria which is resistant to one or more conventional antibiotics.

Many people naturally carry it in their throats and it can cause a mild infection in a healthy patient.

If it infects someone who is already ill or weak, it can kill.

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